The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal extended gratitude to China on Friday for its message of solidarity concerning the recent landslides in Wayanad, Kerala. This expression of support comes at a time when diplomatic relations between India and China have been under scrutiny.
On July 31, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing deep condolences for the lives lost in the massive landslides that struck Wayanad. The statement also offered heartfelt sympathies to the families affected and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. The post on X (formerly Twitter) read, “China expresses deep condolences over the lives lost in the massive landslides in the Indian state of #Kerala and heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured, and wish those who are injured speedy recovery.”
The gesture from China comes in the wake of comments made by Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar earlier in the week, describing the current state of India-China relations as “not doing very well.” Despite these tensions, both countries have recently engaged in diplomatic talks regarding border issues. These discussions were described as “in-depth, constructive and forward-looking” in an official statement. Both nations have committed to enhancing communication on military and diplomatic fronts to maintain peace along their shared borders.
The devastating landslides in Wayanad, triggered by heavy rains of up to 572 mm in 24 hours, have resulted in significant loss and damage. As of now, the disaster has claimed 308 lives. The torrential rains caused extensive destruction, including the collapse of homes, roads, and other public infrastructure.
In addition to China’s support, US President Joe Biden also extended condolences to those affected by the landslides. His statement praised the efforts of rescue and relief teams and offered prayers for those mourning their losses. The rescue operations have been challenging due to the ongoing heavy rains, swelling rivers, and damaged roads and bridges. The Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been actively involved in the rescue missions. However, their efforts have been hampered by the continuous adverse weather conditions.
Over the past seven years, Kerala has experienced around 900 fatalities due to extreme rainfall and landslides, according to state government data. Factors such as environmental neglect, warming of the Arabian Sea, and loss of forest cover have exacerbated the region’s vulnerability to such natural disasters.
The Wayanad landslides highlight the urgent need for effective disaster management and environmental conservation efforts. As the state grapples with the aftermath, global support and solidarity are crucial in aiding recovery and addressing the broader issues contributing to the region’s susceptibility to such catastrophic events.
The support from China, amidst the ongoing diplomatic tensions, and the global outpouring of condolences underscore the importance of international solidarity in the face of natural disasters. As rescue and relief operations continue, the focus will be on addressing immediate needs while planning for long-term solutions to mitigate the impact of future disasters.